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andrew@ce*.co*.jp* wrote:

>On Wed, 12 Nov 1997, Ted wrote:
>
>> i only have an undergrad chem degree, but i believe thet helium is
>> produced by the atomic decay of uranium
>> 1 atom of helium = 1 alpha particle (same thing)
>
>This is not correct.
>
>An alpha particle is a proton.  A proton is ionized hydrogen. Helium has
>two protons and two electrons, and is usually found as a diatomic
>molecule, ie two helium atoms stuck together.
>
>Helium is still a by product of atomic decay, as is hydrogen.
>
>The origional source of helium is atomic fusion (combining hydrogen
>atoms).
>
>-Andrew
From The Mirriam Webster WWWebster online dictionary
http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=alpha+particle

    Main Entry: alpha particle
    Function: noun
    Date: 1903
    : a positively charged nuclear particle identical with the nucleus of a
helium atom that consists
    of two protons and two neutrons and is ejected at high speed in certain
radioactive
    transformations -- called also alpha, alpha ray

From my general knowledge:

The source of helium in stars is indeed nuclear fusion, and helium was
first discovered in the Sun by the presence of spectral lines that could
not be attributed to any other known element.

Terrestrial helium was discovered later, and is indeed produced by
radioactive decay, especially of uranium and of uranium's decay products.

Wrolf


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